Hamas may extend ceasefire if Israel ends blockade, says deputy minister

[DogPoundPup]

MICHAEL JANSEN in Rafah, Gaza Strip

A HAMAS delegation arrived in Cairo yesterday to discuss the renewal of its one-week unilateral ceasefire which expired on Saturday. Israel is also expected to send an envoy or delegation, says Dr Ahmed Youssef, deputy foreign minister in the de facto Hamas government of Gaza.

Dr Youssef said Hamas might be prepared to extend the ceasefire for a year or a year and a half if its conditions are met.

The movement’s first condition is a lifting of Israel’s siege and blockade of Gaza. “The siege is a declaration of war . . . not a sign of a ceasefire. Palestinians are dying gradually due to deprivation caused by the siege.”

He said the terms of the six-month ceasefire which expired on December 19th were violated by Israel. It refused to lift the siege and blockade and its troops continued to shoot at Palestinian farmers trying to till their land near the border and fishermen at sea.

more: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0126/1232474680677.html

[Duckhunter935]

1. I say they should lift the blockade

And if Hamas fires on Israel again there should be retaliation. The problem I see is there are too many factions on the Palistinian side and I do not think Hamas is serious about stopping others even though they are in charge. I think that Egypt should also allow the residents of Gaza to enter if they choose too.

[Chulanowa]

2. They are serious, in fact

During the June 19 truce, Hamas' political opponents continued firing into Israel. Hamas went after them, and kicked their asses. Attacks were going down very steadily over the six months of the agreement up until the Israeli offensive in early November.

The only real powers in the Palestinain territories are Fatah and Ahamas. other factions are there but it's at the point where htye have to pick one of those two to sign on with

[Recursion]

3. Don't discount Islamic Jihad

They don't participate in elections like Hamas and Fatah do but I personally think it is premature to write them off in Gaza.